March 30, 2007
PANNED
After a bit of hesitation on my part, I finally saw the film Pan’s Labyrinth last weekend.
It’s an intriguing movie.
A very strong film. And the visuals are startling.
It’s also an example of fairy tale as administered by a sledgehammer. 
Do NOT see this film if you’re manic depressive.
Or coked up.
Or paranoid.
Or make it a habit to look under your bed before retiring. 
With liberal does of both grim Grimm’s and harsh, brutal reality, it didn’t work for me. There was simply nothing in between, no rest, no respite, no gray areas.
Even if I considered the ending a HEA (and that would depend on your pov), I was simply so battered by the time I GOT to the end, all the pixie dust in the world couldn’t revive me.
However, it is a lesson to be learned in storytelling, I think.
If you’re going to put your heroes and heroines through hell (and we all know we will!), you’d damn well better make sure the payoff is worth it—or at least make the finale worth the effort you put your readers through to get there.
I haven’t heard of this - is it something that’s in limited release or something?
And you’re absolutely right about endings. :)
I probably wouldn’t have gone to see it anyway… not something the kids would want to see … it was nominated for an Oscar though…
though it sounds like something I might rent… so I can pause it and take a breather!
My problem with George R. Martin.
Don’t like my emotional invesrments to crash and burn.
Michelle, it’s a Spanish film, and I believe it was only available at U.S. theaters for about three weeks.
The DVD will be released in May, I think.
Dennie, it is definitely NOT a children’s film!!
Yes, it was nominated for several awards, and rightfully so. I think it won three Oscars, in fact.
It has a strong mythical feeling to it. The little girl who stars in the film is WONDERFUL—an ‘old soul’, you might say. The film is moody, emotional, and would definitely hold your attention—a striking fantasy.
But this film has quite graphic violence. I have a friend who’s intent on showing it to her daughter, but I wouldn’t do so.
Don’t want to give away any spoilers…hmmm…
Think Fairy Princess Child on a quest in a place like Nazi Germany…
Bernita, very like.
It’s a heartbreaker.
(please note, these are just my opinions).
I checked this one out after Rhiann mentioned it on my blog. I really want to see it but may wait for DVD.
This was my issue with Million Dollar Baby. Though probably not as bad an emotional ringer–to put the veiwer/reader through their paces and then kick them in the face at the finish line is just cruel.
Amie, I refused to even WATCH Million Dollar Baby, having heard how it ended.
Again, trying not to give too much away…this movie sort of gives you what you want at the end…but it’s simply too short, too little–hell, not ENOUGH, after the character went through so much and kept the faith, IMHO.
Well, EFF…. I’m out if you shouldn’t go coked up. GDI.
ROLFMAO VOO!!!
Well, EFF…. I’m out if you shouldn’t go coked up. GDI.
Voodoo!!!!!!
oh and Voodoo honey, you can say Fuck here
Ok my first comment made me laugh